it should have been named LATIN LATIN!!!IT IS as good as SPAIN with eexxcceelleenntt recording.it has the fresh flavor of a ripe little Tomato sprinkled with Camilo salt...

Though one hears a lot about crossovers and fusion etc., the fact is that most flamenco-jazz meetings are third-rate flamenco and seventh-rate jazz. The genres are utterly different, the time-conceptions in each tradition especially are utterly different (and paramount), and everyone emerges sounding worse than they do in their home genres. Since few jazz critics know enough about flamenco to intelligently comment, and vice-versa, the enterprises usually get applauded when they should be simply avoided. These Camilo/Tomatito discs are the only truly successful such collaborations I know, and the new one is just as glorious as the last.

"Spain Again" reunites Spanish flamenco guitarist Tomatito with American jazz pianist Michel Camilo. Camilo is a classically trained prodigy whose influences range from Art Tatum to Keith Jarrett, while Tomatito reigns as one of his country's brightest stars, citing Paco De Lucía as one of his key inspirations. The success of this collaboration does not lie in the differences between their musical heritages, but rather in the common ground these two masters forge within the parameters of this recording. Although virtuosity is certainly not something both musicians are lacking, one never senses that the two are competing with one another. Instead the listener hears a deep and profound camaraderie between the two which amicably encompasses the music on this disc. The delicate interplay and intuitive sensitivity the artists share recalls the seminal sixties collaborations between Jim Hall and Bill Evans. Throughout their adventurous melodic excursions and thrilling improvisations, Tomatito and Camilo never lose focus of the inherent beauty of each composition. The session includes an eclectic assortment of music featuring jazz standards, moving tributes, and original compositions. Standouts include a series of three heartfelt homages to Astor Piazzolla, all brilliantly executed and performed to perfection. On the ballad "Stella by Starlight," Tomatito offers some unique and intricate rhythm playing as Camilo skillfully navigates his way through the demanding chord changes of the piece. The recording ends with the joyous "Amor de Conuco," featuring a passionate vocal performance by Juan Luis Guerra and marking an appropriate conclusion to this very memorable musical experience. "Spain Again" is a truly magical recording of extraordinary music and should be required listening for all fans of jazz, classical, and flamenco music.
James Scott

Very beautiful music. I did not know that guitar and piano was all you needed to create wonderfully pleasing sounds.

Michel Camilo and Tomatito are great artists and preformers. They are great individually but together they are truly an example of the sum of their parts are truly greater playing together than individually.

I have seen both artists in concert individually as well as seeing them perform together on stage in 2006, and can say that this was the best concert I have ever attended.

This cd is truly a gem.